Pennsylvania Institute for Instructional Coaching — A Partnership Between the Annenberg Foundation and the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Mentor Bios PDF Print E-mail

Jordan Lozosky, IU1 PIIC Mentor, holds a Bachelor Degree from Washington and Jefferson. Lozosky is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Educational Administration at Duquesne University.  He has completed four years of teaching high school social studies and in an alternative school setting within IU 1 and Burgettstown Junior-Senior High School.  Lozosky was also a CFF coach at West Greene Middle Senior high school for a year, and is looking forward to his new IU PIIC Mentor position!

Chris Caton, IU 3 PIIC Mentor, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education/English and a Master’s Degree in Reading from Slippery Rock University, with a Reading Specialist certification K-12.  Before joining IU3 he served as a faculty member at Slippery Rock University in the Academic Services Department.  Prior to his time at the university he was a literacy coach, a reading specialist, and a secondary English teacher. Chris also serves as a facilitator in a counseling program at a residential treatment facility.

Amy Walker, IU 4 PIIC Mentor, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education/Elementary education and a Master of Science in Special Education with a specialization in students with serious emotional disturbance. She also has a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in English (linguistics  and composition).  For 26 years Walker taught a self-contained secondary classroom on the grounds of a residential treatment facility for adolescents with serious emotional/behavioral challenges.  She was also an adjunct professor for a state university, where she taught both graduate and undergraduate courses in literacy.   

Laura Yaeger, IU 5 PIIC Mentor, has served as an educational consultant at IU 5 for the past six years, specializing in the areas of adult literacy and special education.  During that time she served as a PAHSCI coach for the school district of the city of Erie. Ms. Yaeger also taught Emotional Support classes for ten years, working in institution and high school settings. She holds a bachelor of science degree in elementary education/special education, and a master of education degree in reading.

Cynthia Shaffer, IU 7 PIIC Mentor, has served as a Curriculum Specialist and a PAIU TIM at IU 7 for the past three years.  Prior to joining IU 7, Cindy worked as an elementary teacher, Title 1 reading specialist, and a technology coordinator.  She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Speech and Hearing, Elementary Education Certificate, Reading Specialist Certificate and a Principals Certificate.  She is looking forward to mentoring instructional coaches across Westmoreland County.

Diane Hubona, IU 8 PIIC Mentor, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary English Education and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She also holds a Letter of Endorsement in Instructional Coaching from Wilkes University. Prior to becoming the IU8 PIIC mentor, Diane taught high school English and Speech Communications for 23 years before becoming a PAHSCI instructional literacy coach at Bellwood-Antis High School. She still maintains the role of part-time literacy coach for the Bellwood-Antis School District. Diane is currently an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania where she facilitates Penn Literacy Network courses that focus on literacy-based instructional strategies.

Brandy Sheneman, IU 9 PIIC Mentor, holds a BSE in Special Education and a M.Ed in Elementary Education with Reading Specialist Certification from Mansfield University.  She spent the first five years of her teaching career employed by IU 9 as a high school life skills teacher and a learning support teacher. Throughout the past four years, Brandy served as a 4th grade special education teacher for Fayette County Public Schools in Lexington, KY and as a high school Resource teacher within the Hamilton Southeastern School District in Fishers, IN.  At HSE HS, she taught a Reading and Writing Strategies course for students receiving special services in English 10.  Brandy is thrilled to be home in IU 9!

Bethann McCain, IU 10 PIIC Mentor holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Elementary Education Certification, both of which were earned at East Stroudsburg University. In addition, she earned her Reading Specialist Certification and Masters in Reading Education from Marywood University, Scranton, PA and currently is working on her Doctorate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Bethann has taught as a regular education teacher K-1, a reading specialist K-5, and an instructional coach K-12. She currently lives in Clearfield, PA and is the RtII Consultant and PIIC Mentor for Central Intermediate Unit 10.

Kelly Galbraith, IU 13 PIIC Mentor, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Education (7-12) and a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Curriculum, with K-12 Reading Specialist and Principal certifications.  Prior to becoming a Literacy Consultant at IU 13, Kelly spent the first ten years of her career in the classroom working as an English teacher, reading specialist, and literacy coach at Manheim Township High School.   During her tenure as a reading specialist and literacy coach, she taught struggling readers and English language learners, and she provided literacy professional development for content-area teachers.  Kelly also served as an assistant principal at Wyomissing Area Jr./Sr. High School.  Now at IU 13, Kelly is involved in a number of literacy initiatives including RAISE (Reading Apprenticeship for Improving Secondary Education) and the Literacy Design Collaborative.  Kelly is thrilled to be working alongside instructional coaches in both Lancaster and Lebanon counties.

Pam Wolff, IU 14 PIIC Mentor, obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English and Elementary Education from Randolph-Macon College (VA), a Master of Science in Reading from McDaniel College (MD), and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from St. Joseph’s University with Supervisory/Principal Certification.  Prior to joining IU 14, Pam was a the Reading/Language Arts Supervisor for Muhlenberg School District and a literacy coach for the Norristown Area School District.  She was an adjunct instructor for St. Joseph’s University and McDaniel College Graduate Reading Programs.  A classroom teacher for 11 years, she taught 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th grade and worked as a reading specialist.  

Nancy Neusbaum, IU 15 PIIC Mentor, has worked as a curriculum specialist at IU 15 for four years before becoming a mentor. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree, Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and Supervisor Certification from Shippensburg University. She taught first grade for several years before becoming a staff developer and adjunct instructor for Penn State Harrisburg, focusing on the teaching and learning of elementary mathematics. Nancy held the position of Supervisor of Elementary Mathematics at Cumberland Valley School District prior to joining the Curriculum Services team at IU 15 in 2005. She has taught at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, and is currently on staff as an adjunct instructor at Temple University Harrisburg, where she teaches the course Teaching Mathematics to Children, Kindergarten to Grade 6.

Michael Derman, IU 16 PIIC Mentor, is Special Projects Manager at the CSIU, where he oversees the School 2.0 website and manages the PIMS Support Desk under a CSIU contract with PDE. He holds a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Bucknell University and has taught in a variety of environments, from Head Start through middle school to the college level and adults. He was a member of the Lewisburg Area School District Board of Directors for 9 years, president for 6. He developed the National Forum on Education Statistics' "Forum Curriculum for Improving Education Data," regarding data quality, as well as the online course based on that curriculum and the Forum's online course on data ethics. He currently lives in Lewisburg, Pa.

Christina Steinbacher-Reed, IU 17 PIIC Mentor, served as the Reading Coordinator for the Harrisburg School District where she supervised a cadre of instructional coaches.  Prior to being a central office administrator, Christina was an instructional coach for the Harrisburg School District and an elementary teacher in the Cornwall School District.  In addition to serving as a PIIC Mentor, Ms. Steinbacher-Reed serves as a consultant for IU 17 specializing in curriculum and instruction, literacy, and professional development.  Ms. Steinbacher-Reed earned her Master's degree in Science Education from Lebanon Valley College and continued her post-graduate work at Temple University with a focus on school leadership.  She is currently completing her doctoral work through Drexel University's School of Education with a focus on Educational Leadership and School Management.

Loriann Ruddy, IU 18 PIIC Mentor, holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from College Misericordia and a Masters in Reading from King's College.  Additionally, she earned her Special Education degree from Wilkes University.  She is currently enrolled in another Master's program focusing on Curriculum and Instruction at King's College.  Prior to becoming an Educational Consultant at LIU 18, she taught for ten years for various grade levels ranging from fifth through eighth grade.  In addition to serving as a PIIC Mentor, Loriann serves as a consultant for IU 18 specializing in literacy and professional development.  

Melissa Petrilak, IU 20 PIIC Mentor, has been an Educational Training Consultant for the Colonial Intermediate Unit the last nine years.  Prior to joining the Training and Consulting staff at IU 20, she served as a classroom teacher for 11 years in the Pleasant Valley School District.  She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master Degree in elementary education from East Stroudsburg University.

Carol Adams, IU 22 PIIC Mentor, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in English Education (Temple University) and MS in Reading/Writing/Literacy (University of Pennsylvania). During her 33-year career, she has championed authentic and mindful approaches to learning and leading.  In Philadelphia, she taught middle school English/Humanities and high school literacy.  She also served as supervisor of Reading, English/Language Arts (K-12) and taught for Penn Literacy Network. On leaving Philadelphia School District, Ms. Adams went to Bucks County to become curriculum coordinator and later, administrator for the middle years at a charter school. She currently teaches and coaches Bucks County administrators in a course entitled “Mindful Leadership in the Age of Accountability.”

Lori Ceremuga, IU 27 PIIC Mentor, has 20+ years experience as a Secondary and Post-Secondary teacher.  She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Comprehensive Business Education (Grades 7-12), a Master of Science in Education with a focus on Instructional Technology and is currently pursuing the Principal K-12 and Curriculum Supervisory certifications.  Prior to her current Intermediate Unit roles of Instructional Technology Specialist, 21st Century Teaching and Learning Mentor and a LoTi (levels of Teaching Innovation) facilitator, she taught grades 9-12 and was the Electronic Portfolio Graduation Project Coordinator for Sharpsville Area School District.  In addition, she has taught in Workforce Education and as an adjunct faculty member at Penn State University.

Jeremy Gabborin, IU 28 PIIC Mentor, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to joining IU 28, Jeremy was a classroom teacher at Apollo-Ridge School District for 7 years. He has taught Middle School Math Strategies, Elementary Math, and 4th grade Math and Science.  This year, Jeremy joined IU 28 as Curriculum Specialist, and lookst forward to his role as PIIC Mentor.

Evelyn Wassel, IU 29 PIIC Mentor, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education/Biology from Clarion University, a Master's Degree in Biology Education from DeSales University, and a Doctorate of Education in School System Leadership from Widener University.  She spent 14 years as a classroom teacher in Science before joining the Schuykill Intermediate Unit in 2006.  Dr. Wassel is currently the Supervisor of Curriculum and Technology Education and has been the PAIU TIM for 3 years.

Gen Battisto, PIIC Regional Mentor Coordinator, received BA in Mathematics, Marywood University; M.S in Mathematics Education, Syracuse University; Supervisory study and internship, University of Wisconsin-Madison. She served in Pocono Mountain School District 35 years as mathematics teacher and K-12 Mathematics Supervisor. Gen was a PAHSCI/PIIC mentor for four years in Hazleton, Scranton and Lancaster and IU 21. Ms. Battisto served as a PIIC consultant in the Hazleton Area School District supporting teacher leaders and administrators in the development and implementation of an action plan for improving student achievement. Gen takes active role in mathematics professional associations including Executive Board positions in NPCTM, PCTM and PCSM. She has been appointed to numerous PDE mathematics initiatives such as Task Force for 21st Century Mathematics and writing team for PA Math Standards. 

Charles Territo, Regional Mentor Coordinator, received a Bachelor’s degree from Edinboro State University, a Master’s degree from Duquesne University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from University of Pittsburgh.  He began his career in the Pittsburgh Public Schools where he taught both elementary and high schools.  After leaving the Pittsburgh Schools he worked in the Fox Chapel Area School District where he was a school counselor, the Director of School Counseling, the district public relations officer, Assistant High School Principal and High School Principal.  Dr. Territo completed his career in public education as Superintendent of the Allegheny Valley School District.  He is currently adjunct professor at Robert Morris University where he teaches courses in the doctoral program in Instructional Management and Leadership.  Dr. Territo was a leadership mentor and general consultant to both the PAHSCI and the PIIC Projects before becoming a Regional Mentor Coordinator.

Virginia Glatzer, Regional Mentor Coordinator, offers 24 years of experience as an educator with the PA Department of Education, in the corporate world, and in the elementary classroom. She mentored instructional technology coaches for the Classrooms for the Future initiative in Pennsylvania, provided staff development on 21st Century teaching and learning to districts, designed computer-based training for financial consultants at Merrill Lynch, and has classroom experience in Kindergarten, Third, and Fourth grades. Virginia has a certificate in adult education. As a mentor, Virginia’s focus has been on 21st Century teaching and learning through the use of technology. During her school visits, she emphasized using technology to differentiate instruction, encouraged the link between content and authentic experience, and celebrated learning through collaboration and creativity. Virginia mentors coaches on how to move from School 1.0 to School 2.0.

Katherine Gori, Regional Mentor Coordinator, received a Bachelor's degree from California State University, a Master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Pittsburgh.  She served in the Chartiers Valley School District in a variety of instructional and administrative roles.  She began her career as an English teacher and later became the English Department Coordinator.  She assumed administrative positions as assistant prinipal at both the high school and middle school levels and K-12 Director of Instruction and Pupil Personnel Services. After thirty-five years of service in public education, she retired from her position as Assistant Superintendent.  Dr. Gori has had the pleasure of service as a PAHSCI Leadership Mentor and PIIC Field Support before assuming her current position as a Regional Mentor Coordinator.

Tom Sebastian, Regional Mentor Coordinator, received a Bachelor’s degree from Temple University and a Master’s degree from Villanova University.  He worked in the School District of Philadelphia for 29 years serving as a teacher, department head, assistant principal, central office administrator, and high school principal. After leaving the Philadelphia School District, Mr. Sebastian was the principal of Jenkintown Middle/High School for three years and the principal of Penncrest High School for five years. In 2005, he accepted a position with Foundations, Inc. as the Director of High School Math and Literacy Coaching assigned to the PAHSCI.  In 2010, Tom joined the PIIC initiative as a consultant and functioned as the mentor for IU25.  Mr. Sebastian also serves as a facilitator for PLN and a consultant for PROACT Search.